Social Work: An Introduction
Weblinks
Click on the following links. Please note these will open in a new window.
There are a range of web resources that can support your learning across many of the topics and themes covered in Social Work: An Introduction, Second Edition. On each chapter page of this website we have made some specific suggestions about web resources that you might look at. In addition, as a general statement about useful web resources we have repeated a General Resources section on each chapter page (see below). Please note that these lists are not exhaustive and are aimed at providing some starting points from which you might begin to explore what the web has to offer. Remember when using the web that it is important you assess the quality of the material you are looking at. There is much available that is merely personal opinion and much available that is factually incorrect. Accessing reputable websites increases the reliability and validity of the material presented to you. It is also worth being aware of the fact that some websites refer more heavily to legislation and policy in certain jurisdictions of the UK as opposed to others.
General Resources applicable to every chapter
IRISS – Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services; browse the IRISS Learning Exchange resources
Research in Practice The site contains a wide range of resources and publications related to work with children, young people and families. Some resources and publications are open access, but for many a subscription is required.
Research in Practice for Adults This site contains a wide range of resources and publications related to work with adults and carers. Some resources and publications are open access, but for many a subscription is required.
SCIE – Social Care Institute for Excellence Browse SCIE’s Social Care TV series for useful videos to inform aspects of practice
Also see:
SCIE’s Knowledge Reviews which draw on practice and research findings
A general list of all SCIE resources can be accessed via
Agency resources When you are on placement find out if the organisation you are working with has a subscription to information hubs such as,
Community Care Inform (corporate subscription only) or
Care Knowledge (individual subscription available).
Developing your own learning
There are a range of free courses available on web platforms, many of which support aspects of your learning in the topics covered by Social Work: An Introduction, Second Edition.
For example, see the free course catalogue on the Open University’s Open Learn platform and have a look at the short courses available under the tabs for Health, Sports and Psychology; Education and Development and Society, Politics and Law.
Or the ALISON website course subject list
Or explore the Future Learn website and look at courses under the Health and Psychology, Law and Politics and The Modern World categories.
Chapter 3: Politics and social policy
Paul Spicker (2017) An Introduction to Social Policy. Spicker is Aberdeen based academic teaching at Robert Gordon University. This site provides comprehensive learning materials and resources for those interested in social welfare and its relationship to politics and society.
Joseph Rowntree Foundation: The JRF is a social policy research and development charity that funds a UK-wide research and development programme. The core aims of the organisation are to tackle poverty, build stronger, resilient communities and respond positively to the challenges and opportunities of an ageing society. See headings under the People tab as well as other areas of the website.
Social Policy Research Unit – University of York SPRU is an internationally recognised research unit that carries out policy-related research. Search the site for details of the Unit’s work.
Social Policy Association Primarily an association for researchers and academics this site provides information about social policy that those new to the field may find of interest.
The Young Foundation The Young Foundation undertakes work on a number of core themes – health, wellbeing and ageing; resilient communities and housing; young people, learning and work. The organisation strives for social innovation through collaboration and partnership. As well as research the organisation works with communities, advises local government and public bodies and makes links with social enterprises and networks.